Regina Leader-Post Staff
A former Saskatchewan government employee who worked with a provincial immigration program is facing numerous criminal charges including breach of trust and money laundering.
Tony Dou of Saskatoon is alleged to have “fraudulently altered documents and procedures, accessed government databases for unauthorized purposes, engaged in conflicts of interest, and obtained over $650,000 from participants of the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP),” according to an RCMP news release issued Thursday.
He is also alleged to have laundered “the proceeds of criminal activity while working as a full-time SINP employee.”
These allegations are dated between April 2015 and July 2022, the release states.
Charges were brought against Dou on April 29, including fraud over $5,000, accepting a benefit as a government official, beach of trust, possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000, and money laundering.
The charges were brought by the RCMP Federal Policing Northwest Region’s Federal Serious and Organized Crime Unit (FSOC).
Dou is expected to make his first court appearance on the charges in Saskatoon on May 20, 2025.
“Breach of trust investigations allege violations of confidence and integrity, which are fundamental pillars of public office,” RCMP Supt. Andrew Farquhar said in the release. “The RCMP investigates such assertions thoroughly to uphold accountability and protect public interest.”
In response to a request comment, the Ministry of Immigration and Career Training provided a statement attributed to deputy minister Drew Wilby.
It states Dou was an employee of the ministry who “left” government in 2022. The ministry has fully co-operated with police on relation to the matter, according to Wilby.
“While we cannot comment on the specifics of this investigation, through partnership with other enforcement agencies we are actively working to deter and eliminate al fraud and misuse of immigration programs and exploitation of foreign workers,” the statement reads.
It also points to recent legislation meant to provide more “protections for newcomers” and harsher penalties against people “who commit fraud and misuse the immigration system.”
